Home is where the heart is, sure—but when your business runs out of your house, suddenly it’s also where the valuables, paperwork, and income live too. Whether you’re shipping hand-poured candles from your garage, consulting with clients in your dining room, or packing up boxes for your online shop, protecting your space takes on a whole new urgency. Here’s how to keep your property—and your peace of mind—safe while you grow your business from home.
Set the Stage for Security (Start at the Curb)
Start outside. Your front yard is more than just a spot for tulips or soccer balls—it’s the first line of defense. Installing a quality custom home gate can make a bigger difference than you’d expect. Aside from adding some serious style points and curb appeal, a well-made gate makes it a whole lot harder for strangers to just wander up to your porch. If you’re often getting deliveries or have supplies showing up, a locked gate adds a nice speed bump for anyone who doesn’t belong.
Don’t forget exterior lighting—motion-activated lights or even solar path markers make late-night prowlers rethink their plans. Visible house numbers are a must, not just for guests but also for emergency responders (or your favorite delivery driver).
Privacy: Not Just for Peace and Quiet
As a home-based business owner, you’re probably juggling a lot—video calls, client drop-offs, and way too many packages at the door. Invest in good curtains or shades, especially for street-facing windows. You don’t need the neighborhood to know every time you’re restocking laptops or prepping custom jewelry. A basic security camera at main entry points, even if it’s just a cheap WiFi model, can deter trouble and give you an extra set of “eyes” when you’re not home.
Digital Security Counts, Too
Your computer isn’t just a Netflix machine anymore—it holds customer lists, invoices, and your business’s private info. Make sure you use strong passwords, keep backups (cloud and/or physical), and look into basic cyber insurance if your business is growing. Even setting up a separate WiFi network for business gadgets can keep you safer.
Inventory and Valuables: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
If you keep stock or equipment on-site, don’t let it advertise itself. Store things in closets, back rooms, or even a locked cabinet—bonus points if you mix up storage spots so you’re not keeping all your eggs in one basket. Have an updated inventory list, take a few photos, and tuck away receipts or appraisals.
A printers-and-paper-strewn dining table? Been there. When your business assets are portable, a little bit of discipline goes a long way. It’s easier to spot if something’s off when things have an actual home.
Insurance: Not the Most Fun, But Absolutely Necessary
Homeowner’s insurance often doesn’t cover business inventory or incidents. Double-check your policy and ask your agent if you need a business rider or a separate plan. This isn’t a “maybe someday” thing—do it before you wish you had.
Backup Plans and Community Counts
Leave a trusted neighbor your contact info in case something looks off when you’re not home. If you’re often meeting clients at your house, let someone know your schedule. Communication never hurts.
Protecting your property takes some planning, but the peace of mind makes it worth every effort. After all, your business deserves to be as safe as your dreams for it.